International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM)

Volume: 08 Issue: 03 | March - 2024 SJIF Rating: 8.176 ISSN: 2582-3930

DHT11 Sensor:
A Comprehensive Study on Temperature and Humidity Sensor

Jana Divyashree, Vinayaka A V, Veeru N Arkasali, Rakshitha K B

Students, Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering
Manju Haller, Lecturer
Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering
D.R.R GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, DAVANGERE
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Abstract: The DHT11 sensor is a fundamental component monitoring systems, weather stations, home automation,

in the realm of sensor technology, offering a simple yet HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) control,

effective solution for measuring temperature and humidity. and various other applications that require accurate and

This paper presentation aims to provide a comprehensive reliable temperature and humidity data.

overview of the DHT11 sensor, highlighting its key

attributes, operating principles, and practical applications. The DHT11 sensor is comprised of a few key components,

It is a compact and affordable sensor that utilizes a including a humidity sensing element, a temperature sensing

capacitive humidity sensor and a thermistor to accurately element, and an integrated signal conditioning and analog-to-

measure both temperature and humidity. Its digital output digital conversion circuit. The humidity sensing element is

makes it easy to interface with microcontrollers and data 98typically a capacitive-type sensor that changes its

acquisition systems, making it a popular choice for DIY capacitance in response to variations in the surrounding air's

enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals alike. moisture content. The temperature sensing element is
typically a thermistor, which is sensitive to changes in
temperature and produces electrical resistance variations
Keywords:
accordingly.
1.Arduino IDE program software.
2.Development board ESP8266.
The DHT11 operates on a single-wire digital communication
3.DHT 11 protocol, making it simple to interface with microcontrollers
and other digital devices. It communicates with the host
INTRODUCTION system by sending out a series of digital pulses, and the host
system can request temperature and humidity data from the
sensor using a predefined protocol.
The DHT11, short for Digital Humidity and Temperature
Sensor 11, is a compact and economical sensor module
designed for the measurement of both ambient temperature
and relative humidity. This sensor is frequently utilized in a
diverse range of electronic projects, including environmental

© 2024, IJSREM | www.ijsrem.com DOI: 10.55041/IJSREM29310 | Page 1

 International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM)
Volume: 08 Issue: 03 | March - 2024 SJIF Rating: 8.176 ISSN: 2582-3930

COMPONENTS REQUIRED Connectivity: The ESP8266 can connect to Wi-Fi networks

and GSM, enabling the irrigation system to access the

1)Arduino IDE program software: Arduino IDE is an open- internet. This connectivity can be used for remote monitoring,

source software platform used for programming Arduino control, and data exchange.

microcontroller boards. Sensor Integration: You can connect various sensors to the
ESP8266, such as soil moisture sensors, DHT11, Soil pH
Arduino IDE is a user-friendly integrated development sensor, or rain sensor. The ESP8266 can collect data from
environment. It simplifies programming for Arduino boards these sensors, providing real-time information about soil
using C/C++. It offers a code editor with syntax highlighting conditions and weather forecasts.
and auto completion. Libraries and examples are included to Automation: Using the data collected from sensors, the
facilitate code development. A simple interface uploads code ESP8266 can implement automation rules to optimize
to the connected Arduino hardware. It supports various irrigation. For example, it can trigger irrigation only when
Arduino board models and compatible hardware. Serial soil moisture levels drop below a certain threshold or when
monitoring tools assist in debugging and data exchange. rain is not expected.
Arduino IDE is free and available for Windows, macOS, and Power efficiency: Implement power-saving features to
Linux. ensure the ESP8266 operates efficiently and conserves
energy, especially if the system relies on battery power.
Scalability: The ESP8266 can be used in both small-scale
and large-scale smart irrigation systems, making it versatile
for various applications.

4.DHT 11:

Fig-1 Arduino IDE

Development board ESP8266:

Fig-3 DHT 11 (Temperature and Humidity Sensor)

Using a DHT11 sensor we can detect the temperature and

humidity level surrounding environment. GSM sends the
notifications to the user about the temperature and humidity
Fig-2 NodeMCU ESP8266 level in yield.

© 2024, IJSREM | www.ijsrem.com DOI: 10.55041/IJSREM29310 | Page 2

 International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM)
Volume: 08 Issue: 03 | March - 2024 SJIF Rating: 8.176 ISSN: 2582-3930

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM: ADVANTAGES:

1. Affordability: The DHT11 sensor is cost-effective,

making it an excellent choice for projects with
budget constraints.

2. Ease of Use: It is straightforward to connect and

interface with microcontrollers and other digital
devices, making it accessible for beginners.

3. Digital Output: It provides digital temperature and

humidity readings, eliminating the need for complex
analog signal processing.

4. Low Power Consumption: It consumes minimal

CONNECTIONS: power, making it suitable for battery-powered or
1. Power Supply Connections: Connect the VCC (Voltage) low-power applications.
pin of the DHT11 to a 3.3V output on the ESP8266. The
DHT11 operates at a lower voltage, and connecting it to 5. Versatility: The DHT11 can be used in a variety of
5V might damage the sensor. Connect the GND (Ground) projects, including weather monitoring, home
pin of the DHT11 to a ground (GND) pin on the ESP8266. automation, and environmental sensing.

2. Data Connection: Connect the Data pin of the DHT11 to DISADVANTAGES:

any available GPIO pin on the ESP8266. Remember the
GPIO pin number you choose, as you will need it in your
1. Limited Accuracy: The DHT11 provides reasonably
code. Let's assume you connected it to GPIO 2.
accurate measurements, but it is not as precise as some
higher-end sensors.
3. Pull-up Resistor (Optional but recommended): To ensure
stable communication between the DHT11 and ESP8266,
2. Narrow Operating Range: The DHT11 is designed to
it's recommended to add a 4.7k ohm pull-up resistor
work within a limited temperature and humidity range.
between the Data pin (the one connected to the DHT11)
and the 3.3V power source. This helps prevent signal
3. Non-Replaceable Sensor Element: If the sensor element
interference and ensures more reliable data transmission.
in the DHT11 fails, it cannot be replaced or recalibrated.
You would need to replace the entire sensor module.

4. Not Suitable for Harsh Environments: The DHT11 is not

designed for use in harsh or industrial environments,
where more robust sensors are typically required.

© 2024, IJSREM | www.ijsrem.com DOI: 10.55041/IJSREM29310 | Page 3

 International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM)
Volume: 08 Issue: 03 | March - 2024 SJIF Rating: 8.176 ISSN: 2582-3930

5. Limited Humidity Range: The humidity measurement REFERENCE:

range of the DHT11 is limited to 20% to 80%.
T. Hariyanto, M. Rahayu, F. Satria and M. Y. Fadhlan,

CONCLUSION: “Improving Temperature Sensor Accuracy in the IoT Trainer

Kit by Linear Regression Method” 2019 International
Conference on Mechatronics, Robotics and Systems
"In conclusion, the DHT11 sensor serves as a versatile and
Engineering (MoRSE), Bali, Indonesia, 2019.
cost-effective solution for temperature and humidity sensing
across a range of applications. Its simplicity and ease of use
“Temperature and Humidity Control in Greenhouses in
make it a popular choice for hobbyists, students, and
Desert Areas”. Shigeki Hirasawa, Mai Nakatsuka, Kunio
professionals in the field of sensor technology. Throughout
Masui, Tsuyoshi Kawanami, Katsuaki Shirai
this presentation, we have explored the working principle,
Agricultural Sciences Vol.5 No.13, November 16, 2014
internal components, and practical applications of the DHT11
sensor.
“Room-Temperature Humidity Sensing Using Graphene
We have discussed its significance in weather monitoring, Oxide Thin Films”. Gautam Naik, Sridhar Krishnaswamy
home automation, indoor agriculture, and more, highlighting Graphene Vol.5 No.1, December 3, 2015
its ability to provide valuable environmental data. However, it
is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the DHT11,
including its accuracy, operating range, and response time,
which may restrict its use in applications requiring high
precision.
As technology continues to advance, it is worth considering
the evolving landscape of sensor technology, which offers a
range of sensors with varying levels of accuracy and
capabilities. Depending on the specific requirements of a
project, one may need to evaluate whether the DHT11's
performance aligns with those needs or if a more specialized
sensor is warranted.
In the future, further research and development may lead to
improved sensor technologies, addressing some of the
DHT11's limitations. As we continue to explore the frontiers
of environmental monitoring, automation, and data analysis,
sensors like the DHT11 will remain integral to our ability to
understand, adapt to, and shape the world around us."
This conclusion emphasizes the DHT11's strengths while
acknowledging its limitations and suggests a consideration of
alternative sensor technologies for specific applications. It
also highlights the ever-evolving nature of sensor technology
and the importance of staying informed about the latest
advancements in the field.

© 2024, IJSREM | www.ijsrem.com DOI: 10.55041/IJSREM29310 | Page 4